Day 1 Wednesday, October 03

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

Building A Brand with Outrageous Marketing

Keynote

Scott Dikkers, The Onion

The Onion’s co-founder and longest-serving editor-in-chief tells the story of how a scrappy group of college dropouts with no marketing budget created a worldwide comedy brand. He introduces the colorful characters behind The Onion’s success, shares insights about “outrageous marketing” that can apply to any organization, and reveals the pro tip for effectively “crossing the line” by using edgy content to offend everyone yet no one.

5:15 pm - 6:15 pm

Opening Reception

You made it to the end of Day 1 of DS Charlotte. High fives! After stuffing your brain with all of that good content, mix and mingle with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. Enjoy beverages and snacks, and decompress a little before you gear up for a busy Day 2.

12:45 pm - 1:40 pm

The Big, Bold, Brave New World of Content & Storytelling

Keynote

Ann Handley, MarketingProfs

Content marketing and storytelling offer a vast opportunity for all businesses. Even yours. But too many of us aren’t embracing the opportunity. Our own marketing seems puny and underdeveloped, when it should be strong and buff. So the question is: How do we inspire our teams to create more robust, effective marketing? Or, how do we up the quality of what we are producing? (And how do you define “quality,” anyway?) In this fun, inspiring session, Ann will counsel you on how your organization can create marketing that’s engaging—because your audience demands it, and your organization deserves it.

4:40 pm - 5:40 pm

Closing Reception

Is your brain full now? Thank you so much for joining us for two days of wall to wall marketing goodnes.. Before you say those final goodbyes and make those final connections, join us for a beverage or two at the Closing Reception, immediately after sessions.